Automatic control of washing and other machines



Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. a. TANQUERAY 2,137,923

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1957 a Sheets-Sheet 1 1 KB. f sw wy Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. B. TANQUERAY 2,137,923

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1937 a Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. B. TANQUERAY AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 WVW Nov. 22, 1938 D. Y. B. TANQUERAY 2,137,928.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 D. y; 3 wen-z five/1 {for Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. B..TAN UERAY 2,137,923

I AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ira e 4r Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. B. TANQUERAY ,1 ,9 8

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 193'? 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Um Mic/15 Nov. 22, 1938.

D. Y. B. TANQUERAY 7 2,137,928

7 AUTOMATIC CONTROL OFWASHING AND OTHER MACHINES Filed Jan. 22, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Nov. 22, 1938. D. Y. B. TANQUERAY 2,137,928

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES MEAQUKEME/VT I,

r 13/4 I l jaw 617141" p E237; zrcrg/ Patented Nov. 22, 1938 AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF WASHING AND OTHER MACHINES David Yeo Bartholomew Tanqneray, Peterborough, England, assignor to Baker Perkins Limited, Peterborough, England Application January 22, 1937, Serial No. 121,914 In Great Britain January 24, 1936 16 Claims.

' machines or plant in reference to which it is necessary to deliver predetermined quantities of liquid at predetermined times, and the invention is more particularly concerned with electrically operated control apparatus employing a rotary electric switch having a timed rotation and adapted to establish and disestablish elec--- tric circuits for performing the various operations. For convenience hereinafter the invention will be described by Way of example with reference to washing machines.

Automatic washing machines are known wherein the time of delivery of liquids to the washing machine and their quantities are controlled by a rotary electric switch, the quantity of liquid delivered being determined by the length of time the control valves of the liquid remain open. Such apparatus sufferfrom the defect that while when the rate of flow remains constant the measurement of the quantities of liquid required may be effected with sufficient accuracy, where the rate of flow is variable due to alterations of pressures or a fluctuation in the head of the supply, the length of time that the valves controlling the flow of liquid remain open is not a sufliciently accurate measure of the actual quantity of liquid delivered.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and means whereby predetermined quantities of liquid may be delivered to the washing machine with sufficient accuracy independently of variations which may occur in the rate of flow of the supply.

A further object of the invention is to provide a rotary electric switch adapted to control both functions dependent on a time factor and those dependent upon the measurements of quantity.

The invention consists in a multiple drive for a rotary control device for the operations of a Washing machine or the like whereby operations are initiated under the control of one of the drives while said operations are terminated under the control of said drive or another of the drives.

The invention also consists in the opening of a valve (or valves) in an automatic'control for a washing machine or the like, at predetermined times for initiating the supply of liquid to the machine by means actuated from a rotary con-v trol device and determining the time of closure of said valve by said control device according to the rate of flow of the liquid through a meer.

A feature of the invention consists in driving the rotary control device from a motor at a predetermined time rate for effecting the initiation of the delivery of liquids and, if desired, for those operations of the washing machine or the like which can be adequately controlled by a time factor, and then driving the rotary control device after the initiation of the flow of liquid to be supplied to the washing machine or the like by a flowmeter or other measuring device, so that the flow to the washing machine is terminated not after a predetermined time or period but upon the passage or measurement of the predetermined quantity of liquid required.

The invention may be applied to the control of hot and cold water of the washing machine, the control of soap solution, soda, blue, bleach or other liquids, to be supplied to the washing machine, and the other actions on which the washing operation depends. For example, the electrio switch may control the opening and closing of the main outlet valve of the washing machine either according to a time factor or the opening of the valve may be effected at a predetermined time and closed after the washing machineis emptied as detected by a float or other device actuated on the cessation of flow from the machine. The operations for controlling the rotation of the washing drum or any other manipulative operation may also be embodied in the switch according to known principles.

A convenient embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whlch:-

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an automatlc control for a washing machine;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of one form of drive between the rotary disc or switch and the motor and meters;

Figures 3 and 4 are elevation and plan views respectively of a modified arrangement of the drive between the rotary disc-or switch and the motor and meters, parts of the casing being shown in section.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating magnetic control valves directly controlled by the rotary switch;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic View illustrating a modified manner of controlling a valve through two circuits and two finger terminals controlled by the rotary switch;

Figure '7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating positively actuated clutches in the drives between the rotary switch and the motor and meters;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form 01 the invention in which positive displacement pumps are utilized instead of fiow meters;

Figure 9 is a further modification in which the measuring devices for driving the rotary switch consist of floats located in chambers.

In carrying the invention into effect according to one convenient mode as applied by way of example to an automatic control for washing machines,- a gauge disc or contact plate I is mounted on a spindle 2 for rotation about an axis and is adapted to receive a well known perforated or slotted record card 3, the slots or perforations of which are of predetermined position and circumferential length according to the nature and cycle of operations to be performed. The contact plate is wired to constitute a common terminal of the electric circuits involved in the controlling operations such as referred to hereinafter. As shown in Figure 1 the contact plate is connected, conveniently by means of a finger terminal or brush 4, through wire 4a, switch plate 5 and wire 6, which may include a fuse 1, to one side of a source of current supply A.

Co-operating with the slotted card 3 is a radial arm 8 between which and the card rotary relative movement is established, in the embodiment described, by rotating the contact plate. The contact plate I is driven either by an electric motor 9 adapted to rotate the plate at a predetermined rate or by a fiow meter or other measuring device as described hereinafter. The radial arm 8 carries a plurality of finger terminals or contacts I0 to l1 wired in the circuits of the various devices to be controlled with which they are associated. These fingers are adapted to establish the various electric circuits with the plate I through the respective slots in the record card 3.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings there is a supply pipe l8 for cold water and a supply pipe IQ for hot water, these supply pipes having motor or relay operated supply valves 29 and 2| respectively and join in a common supply pipe 22 leading to a flow meter 23 of the positive displacement type. The pressure of water from the hot or cold supply is adapted to actuate the meter as it passes therethrough to a delivery pipe 24 leading to the washing machine (not shown).

Supply pipes 25, 26 and 21 are also shown for delivering respectively soap solution, soda and blue, these pipes being also provided with motor or relay operated control valves 28, 29 and 30 respectively. The supply pipes 25, 26 and 21 lead to a common manifold 3|, conveniently having a glass front 32 and an air vent 33, from which the solutions are adapted to be delivered through a, common pipe 34 in which another, but preferably smaller, meter 35 is located so that the fiow of liquid from the supply pipes 25, 26 and 21 may actuate this meter 35 as it passes therethrough to the delivery pipe 24 previously referred to.

For delivering steam to the washing machine a steam supply pipe 36 is provided which supply pipe may be adapted to deliver directly to the washing machine and is provided with a motor or relay operated control valve 31. A motor or relay operated outlet valve or ram is shown at 38.

The control valves for the water, solutions, steam and the outlet ram may be ofknown type which are adapted to be opened by fiuid under pressure supplied from headers or manifolds 39 and to, the supply of fluid or air under pressure to these valves being under control of magnetic control valves, which may also be of known type and which are in turn controlled by the electric circuits established under control of the rotary switch comprising the contact plate I, the slotted record card 3 and the finger terminals ill to I1.

As shown, there are magnetic control valves 4| and 42 respectively for controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure to the hot and cold water supply valves 2| and 20 through conduits 43 and 44, magnetic control valves 45, 46 and 41 for controlling delivery of fluid under pressure respectively to the soda, soap and blue supply valves 29, 28 and 30 through conduits 48, 49 and 50, and magnetic control valves 5| and 52 for respectively controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure to the steam supply valve 31 and the outlet ram 38 through conduits 53 and 54. One side of each of the solenoids of the magnetic control valves 4!, 42, 45, 46, 41, 5| and 52 is wired to one side of the current supply.A through a common wire 55 while the other side of each of the solenoids is wired to one of the finger terminals Hi to l6. Thus the solenoid of magnetic valve 41 is connected to finger terminal l0 by wire 56; that of magnetic valve 46 is connected to finger terminal I by wire 51; that of magnetic valve 45 to finger terminal l2 by wire 58; that of magnetic valve 42 to finger terminal l3 by wire 59; that of magnetic valve 4| to finger terminal l4 by wire 68, while those of magnetic valves 5| and 52 are respectively connected to finger terminals I5 and I6 by wires 6|, 62. Conveniently, a panel 64 may be provided having a series of plug-in sockets 65 permanently wired to the solenoids of the magnetic valves while the wires 56 to 62 may each be provided with a jack for selectively plugging into the sockets whereby the magnetic valve which any one finger terminal ||i|6 is to control may be selected by plugging the jack connected to such finger terminal in the appropriate socket 65. The finger terminal I1 is connected through wire 63 to a lamp 66 whereby a circuit may be established through the lamp, for example, to give a visible indication when a particular cycle of operations has been completed, by providing an appropriate slot in the record card 3 for co-operation with the finger terminal H.

A series of manually operable and normally open switches 61 are provided associated with the switch plate 5 one across each of the circuits normally controlled by the rotary switch device. These manually operable switches provide a means whereby any of the operations normally controlled by the rotary switch device may if desired be effected at any time and independently of the control by the rotary switch device by simply closing the appropriate switch or switches 61 to thus manually establish the circuits controlling such operations. The circuit of motor 9 is as follows:--Supply mains B wire 68 motor winding 69, lead 10 closed contacts of motor relay switch 1| and return lead 12 to the main supply B.

From the arrangement so far described it will be appreciated that the rotary electric switch device is adapted to be driven at a predetermined time rate by the motor 9 for effecting the opening of the supply valves at predetermined times to initiate delivery of liquids and, if desired, for controlling other operations which can be adequately controlled by a time factor. I-Iowever, according to the invention the closure of one or other of the liquid supply valves is effected by means dependent upon the quantity or liquidpassing through'one or other of the meterin devices 23 or 35 or, more specifically, the rotary electric switch device after the initiation of the flow of liquid is driven by one or other or the flow meters 23 or 35, while the motor 3 is cut out so that the flow of liquid to the washing or like machine is terminated not after a predetermined time or period but upon the passage or measurement of the predetermined quantity of liquid.

One form of driving mechanism between the rotary switch device and the meters 23, 35 and motor 9 is shown in Figure 2. The vertical spindle 2 on which the contact plate I is mounted has secured thereto a bevel gear I3 adapted to be driven either by the motor 9, the meter 23 or the meter 35. The meter 23 is adapted to drive a spindle I4 through suitable reduction gearing (not shown), this spindle being in turn adapted to drive the bevel gear I3 through a free wheel clutch I5. A spindle I6 adapted to be driven through suitable reduction gearing from the meter 35 carries a bevel gear 11 which is in mesh with a bevel gear I8 secured on a shaft I9, the latter carrying one element of a free wheel clutch 30 the other element of which is secured to a bevel gear 8| which meshes with the bevel gear I3.

Similarly the shaft 02 of motor 9 is adapted to drive a bevel gear 83 through a free wheel clutch 84, the gear 83 also meshing with the bevel gear I3. With this arrangement it will be appreciated tht the rotary switch may be independently driven by either the motor 0 or one or other of the meters 23 or 35 the free wheel clutches permitting this.

An alternative arrangement of driving mechanism between the rotary switch device and the meters and motor is shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this arrangement the contact plate or disc I is vertically arranged and is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on a horizontal shaft 85. The drive for the disc from the motor 9 is through a vertical shaft 86 having at its lower end a worm wheel Bl meshing with a worm 88 on the motor shaft. The vertical shaft 86 is adapted to drive a gear'wheel 89 through a free wheel clutch 90, the gear wheel 89 in turn driving a gear wheel 9| mounted on a stub shaft 92 which has secured thereto a worm 93 meshing with a worm wheel 94 secured to the horizontal shaft 85. The gear wheel Si is commonly in mesh with gear wheels 95 and 96 adapted respectively to be driven through free wheel clutches 91 and 98 from the respective meter shafts 99 and I00. With this alternative arrangement also, the free wheel clutches 90, 91 and 98 permit the contact plate or disc I to be driven by the motor 9 or by one or other of the meters 23 or 35'when the motor drive is discontinued.

Means is provided for cutting out the timed motor 9 when the rotary switch device is to be driven by one or other of the meters. As shown in Figure 1 the motor relay switch II is adapted to be opened to interrupt the motor circuit when any one of the circuits controlling the opening of the liquid supply valves 20, BI, 28, 29, 30 is established. The motor relay switch 'II is held closed when its coil 'IIa is energized by the establishment of the following circuit:Supply mains A, wire 55, lead IOI, coil Ila of motor relay switch II, lead I02 to wire 4a, switch plate 5, and lead 6 to the other side of the supply mains A. Located in the lead I02 is a series of solenoid operated relay switches I03 which are held closed when no current is flowing through their solenoid coils I03a. One side of. each or the solenoid coils is connected by common lead I04 to the wire leading to one side of the main supply A while the other sides of these coils are respectively connected by wires I05 to I09 to the wires 56 to leading to the finger terminals I0 to I4, whereby a circuit isestablished through one of the coils I030 to open its relay switch I03 and so open the motor relay switch II to interrupt the motor circuit whenever any one of the finger terminals I0 to I4 controlling the opening of the liquid supply valves contacts with the plate I through a slot in the record card.

As an example of the operation of the control described, a"suming that the appropriate record card 3 has been placed on the contact plate I of the rotary switch and the timed motor has been started up, the switch plate I and card 3 will revolve at a predetermined rate and when a slot in the record card arrives opposite the finger terminal I3, corresponding with the cold water supply, this terminal will contact the plate I through the slot and establish the electric circuit'for effecting opening of the cold water supply valve 20 as follows:'-Supply mains A; wire 6; switch plate 5; wire 4a; contact plate I; finger terminal I3; wire 59; the coil of magnetic control valve 42; common wire 55 back to supply mains A. The magnetic control valve 42 will thus be operated to supply'fiuid under pressure from header or manifold 39 through conduit 44 to open the cold water supply valve 20. Simultaneously, or immediately after, the motor relay switch 'II will be opened to interrupt the motor circuit by the opening of one of the relay switches I03, the circuit to effect opening of the latter being as follows:-Supply main A; wire 55; common lead I04, the coil l03a of the appropriate relay switch H33, lead I08; wire 59, finger terminal I3; contact plate I; wire 4a; switch plate 5, and lead ii to main supply A. The cold water flowing through the open valve 20 and pipe 22 will drive the meter 23 which will in turn drive the rotary switch at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow through the meter so that if the flow is increased due to an increase of pressure at the cold water supply, or if the flow is decreased owing to a loss of head or pressure,

then the rate of drive of the rotary switch will be correspondingly accelerated or retarded.

The timing motor will remain idle until the valve 20 on the cold water supply has been shut by reason of the contact finger I3 of the rotary switch reaching the end of the slot in the record card and thus breaking the circuit to de-energize the coil of the magnetic control valve 42 which then moves to a position to cut off supply of fluid under pressure to valve 20 and exhaust the conduit M, while the circuit to the coil I03a of relay switch I03 is simultaneously broken to close the relay switch I03 and establish the circuit to the coil I la of motor relay switch II to close this switch and again establish the circuit of motor 9. The rotary switch will now again be rotated at a predetermined rate by the motor 9 until one of the finger terminals III to I4 is brought into contact with the plate I through a slot in the record card. Assuming that the finger terminal II, corresponding with the soap supply, is next brought into contact with the plate I through a slot in the record card 3 an electric circuit for effecting opening of the soap supply valve 28 will be established as fol1ows:- -Supply mains A; wire 6; switch plate 5; wire la; contact plate I; finger terminal II; wire til; the coal of magnetic control valve 40; common wire 55 back to supply mains A. The coil of magnetic control valve 49 will thus be energized and efiect'operation of the control valve to connect the conduit 48 to the header 39 and so open the soap supply valve 28. Simultaneously, the motor relay switch 1| will be opened to interrupt the motor circuit by the opening of one of the relay switches I03 as will be clear from the previous description. Soap solution will now fiow through manifold 3I, this being visible through the glass front 32, through pipe 34 and will drive the meter 35 on its passage to the pipe 24. The meter 35 will in turn drive the rotary switch at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow through the meter, which is dependent upon the pressure of the soap supply, until the finger terminal II is disengaged from the contact plate I at the end of the slot in the record card. The soap supply valve will then be closed and the circuit of motor 9 re-established as will be clear from the previous description to take up the drive of the rotary switch and rotate it at the predetermined time rate.

It will thus be seen that the duration for which a liquid supply valve is open is dependent not upon a predetermined time factor but according to the measurement of the liquid which has flowed through one or other of the meters 23 or 35. The length of the slots in the record card 3 for the control of the delivery of liquid will be such as to correspond with the given number of measuring displacements of the meter which are calculated to make up the predetermined quantity of liquid desired. The control of delivery of hot water, soda and blue and control of the outlet 38 will be clear from the previous description.

It will be appreciated that other operations such as the control of rotation of the washing drum may also be embodied in the rotary switch according to known principles.

Instead of the valves 20, 2I, 28, 29, 30 and 38 being operated by fluid under pressure they may be magnetic control valves directly controlled by the rotary switch and finger terminals I to I6.

Such modified arrangement as applied by way of example to the valves 28 and 30 is illustrated in Figure in which parts corresponding with those of Figure l are given the same reference numerals. Referring to Figure 5 it will be seen that the wires 56 and 51 connected respectively to the finger terminals I0 and II of the rotary switch lead to the panel 64 but instead of being connected to the solenoids of magnetic valves 41 and 46 as in Figure 1 .they are connected respectively to one side of solenoids IIO, III carried by housings II 2, H3 secured to the housings of valves 30 and 28. The other side of each of these solenoids I I0, I II is connected to one side of the current supply A through common wire 55. The stem of each valve passes through the solenoid housing and is provided on its outer end with an armature II4 so that whenever one of the fin ger terminals I0 or II contacts with the plate I through a slot in the recordcard a circuit is established to effect energization of the solenoid H0 or I II whereby armature H4 is attracted to thus open the valve against the action of the valve spring I I5.

Instead of the various devices being controlled in one sense by the establishment of current in lishment of another or modified circuit, in which case the operation of each device would be dependent upon a pair of finger terminals on thecontact arm and a corresponding pair of slots in the record card.

This modification, also applied by way of example to the valves 28 and 30, is shown in Figure 6. As shown in this figure the supply of fluid or air under pressure from a manifold II8 to the valves 28 and 30 is under control of magnetic slide .valves II1, III, each controlled by two finger terminals of the rotary switch. The housing of the slide valve II8 carries two solenoids H9, I20 adapted to co-operate respectively with armatures I2I, I22 secured on opposite ends of the valve spindle I23. Similarly, the housing of slide valve I I1 carried two solenoids I24, I25 adapted to co-operate respectively with armatures I29, I21 secured on opposite ends of the valve spindle I28. One side of the solenoid H9 is connected by wire I29 to finger terminal I0 of the rotary switch, one side of solenoid I20 is connected by wire I30 to finger terminal I 0-, one side of solenoid I24 is connected by wire I 3| to finger terminal II" and one side of solenoid I25 is connected by wire I32 to finger terminal I I, while the other side or each of the solenoids is connected to one side of the supply mains A through common wire I33. The slide valve II 8 is shown in the position in which there is no communication between the manifold H8 and conduit I34 leading to valve 30, but it will be appreciated that when finger terminal I0 contacts withthe plate I through a slot in the record card 3 a circuit will be established through wire I 30, solenoid I20 and common lead I33, thereby energizing the solenoid I20 which attracts the armature I22 and effects sliding of the valve II8 to the left to thus establish communication between the fluid pressure manifold H8 and conduit I34 to open the valve 30. Closure of this valve 30 will be effected when finger terminal I0 contacts plate I through another slot in the record card 3 and thus establishes a circuit to energize solenoid II9 which attracts armature I2I to move slide valve II8 to the right. Similarly valve 28 will be opened when solenoid I25 controlled by finger terminal II is energized to attract armature I21 and move slide valve II1 to the left while this valve 28 will be closed when solenoid I24 controlled by finger terminal II is energized to attract the armature I29 and move slide valve II 1 to the right.

While it is preferred to employ free wheel clutches in the drives between the rotary switch and the motor and meters, these drives may have positively actuated clutches controlled by the rotary switch to change from one drive to another.

Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 7 in which drive mechanism between the rotary switch and the motor and meters is similar to that previously described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals. In Figure '7 the gear wheels 89, 95 and 96 which are commonly in mesh with the gear wheel 9I are slidably mounted respectively on the shaft 86, shaft 99 of meter 23 and shaft I 00 of meter 35. These gear wheels 89, 95, and 96 carry respectively a clutch element I35, I38, I31 adapted to cooperate with clutch elements I38, I39, I40 fixed respectively to the shafts 86, 99 and I00. Located above the gear wheels 09, 95 and 96 are cylinders I, I 42, I 43 in each of which a piston by a spring I36 and I39 are normally disengaged. Similar operates. One of such pistons I44 is shown in the cylinder I42, the piston rod I45 being connected to a pivoted lever I46 which has a forked end carrying rollers engaging in the groove of a part of the gear wheel 95 so that movement of the piston I44 will be transmitted to gear 95 to eifect engagement and disengagement of the clutch elements I36 and I39. The piston is nor mally held in the upper part of the cylinder I42 I41 whereby the clutch elements mechanism is provided between each of the pistons in the cylinders I4I, I43 and the gear wheels 89 and 96 so that movement of these pistons can efiect the clutchingand declutching of the gear wheels 89, 96 with respect to their respective shafts 86 and I00. The supply of fluid or air under pressure to the cylinders I4I, I42 and I43 from the pressure manifold I48 is under control of magnetic valves. Thus, magnetic valve I49 controls the supply of fluid under pressure to the cylinder I4I through conduit I52, magnetic valve I50 controls the supply to cylinder I43 through conduit I53, while magnetic valve I5I controls the supply to cylinder I42 through conduit I54. Further magnetic control valves are provided which are adapted to control communication between the fluid pressure manifold I48 and fluid operated liquid supply valves, these magnetic control valves being in turn controlled by finger terminals of the rotary switch. the present example three only of such magnetic valves are shown which are given the reference numerals I55, I56, I51. The magnetic valve I55 isadapted to control the supply of fluid under pressure to the fluid operated soap supply valve and is itself controlled by the finger terminal I, the magnetic valve I56 is adapted to control the supply of fluid under pressure to the fiuid operated soda supply valve and is itself controlled by the finger terminal II, while the magnetic valve I51 is adapted to control the supply of fluid under pressure to the fluid operated water supply valve and is itself controlled by the finger terminal I2 The finger terminal 4 which is always in contact with the plate I of the rotary switch is connected through wire I53 and the contact plate 5 of a series of manually operable switches 61 to one side of the supply mains A, the other side of which is connected through common wire I59 to one side of each of the solenoids of magnetic control valves shown. The other side of the solenoids of magnetic valves I55, I56, I51 are respectively connected to the finger terminals I0, II, I2 through Wires I60, I6I, I62. The liquid supply valves are therefore controlled by the rotary switch in the manner previously described with reference to Figure 1, but provision is made in this modified form of the invention for disengaging the motor clutch I35, I38, whenever a liquid supply valve is opened and for engaging the appropriate meter clutch I36, I39 or I31, I40. Thus solenoid operated relay switches I63, I64, I65 are arranged in the wire I 66 leading from the solenoid of magnetic valve I49 to one side of the supply mains A, the switches I63 and I64 being also arranged to control the circuit through wire I61 of the solenoid of the magnetic valve I50, while the relay switch I65 is also arranged to control the circuit through wire I68 of the solenoid of magnetic valve I5I. The relay switches I63, I64, I65 are adapted to be operated respectively by solenoids I69, I10, I1I, one side of each of which is connected to the supply mains A through common wire I 12 while the other side of solenoid I69 is connected by wire I13 to the wire I60, the other side of solenoid I is connected by wire I14 to wire I6I and the other side of solenoid I1I is connected by wire I15 to wire I62. The relay switches are normally in the position shown in which the circuit to the solenoid of magnetic valve I49 is established so that the latter valve is opened and the motor clutch I35, I38 is engaged whereby the motor 9 drives the rotary switch at a predetermined time rate. When finger terminal l0 contacts plate I through a slot in the record card 3 a circuit is established through wire' I60, solenoid of magnetic va1veI55 and common wire I59 to the supply mains A, thus operating magnetic valve I55 to in turn cause opening of the soap supply valve. At the same time a circuit is established through wire I60, wire I13, relay solenoid I60 and common wire I12 to the supply mains 'A, whereby solenoid I69 is energized to operate relay switch I63 to break the circuit of the solenoid of magnetic valve I49 and establish a circuit through wire I61 and the solenoid-of magnetic valve I50. Thus, magnetic valve I49 is operated to efiect disengagement of the motor clutch I35, I38 while magnetic valve I50 is operated to effect engagement of the clutch parts I31, I40 whereby the meter 35 takes over the drive of the rotary switch. Similarly, if finger terminal II contacts plate I", magnetic valve I56 will be operated to open the soda supply valve and at the same time relay switch I64 will be operated to effect disengagement of the motor clutch I35, I38 and engagement of the meter clutch I31, I40, while in finger terminal I2 contacts plate I magnetic valve I51 will be operated to open the water supply valve and at the same time the relay switch I65 will be operated to effect operation of magnetic valves I49 and I 5i whereby the motor clutch I35, I38

gaged so that the meter 23 will drive the rotary switch.

Instead of operating the rotary switch by a flow meter such as described it may be driven when the time motor is disconnected by a rotary positive displacement pump having a constant or substantially constant delivery per revolution.

Figure 8 shows an arrangement in which pumps are used instead of meters and in this figure parts which are similar to those of Figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals. The valves 20, 2|, 29 and 30 are controlled respectively by the magnetic valves 42, 4|, 45 and 41 which in turn are controlled respectively by the finger terminals I4, I3, I2 and I0 of the rotary switch all in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 1 and therefore further description thereof is unnecessary. The driving mechanism for driving the rotary switch is similar to that described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 and similar parts thereof have been given the same reference numerals. However, the gear wheels 95 and 96 are adapted to be driven respectively through the free wheel clutches 91 and 98 from vertical shafts I16 and I11. The shaft I16 is adapted to be driven by a constant delivery pump I18 through worm gearing I19 while the shaft I1 is adapted to be driven by a constant delivery pump I80 through worm gearing IB'I, these pumps being arranged to be driven by electric motors I82 and I83 respectively. The inlet side of the pump I18 is .will be disengaged and the clutch I36, I39 enconnected by the pipe 34 to the common manifold 3I through which the washing solutions, such as soap, soda and blue, are delivered under control of supply valves 28, 29 and 38, while the outlet pipe I84 is adapted to lead to the washing machine. The inlet side of the pump I88 is connected by the pipe 22 to the water supply pipes on the delivery side of the supply valves 28 and 2I and the outlet pipe I85 of this pump is also adapted to be connected to the washing machine. Provision is made for cutting out the timing motor 9 whenever a liquid supply valve is opened and for simultaneously starting the appropriate pump motor so that the pump can drive the rotary switch at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of the liquid. -One side of each of the timing motor 9 and the pump motors I82 and I83 is connected through a common lead I86 and switch plate to one side of the supply mains A. The other side of motor 9 is connected through lead I81 and common lead 55 to the other side of the supply mains A, the other side of the pump motor I82 is connected through lead I88 and common lead 55 to the supply mains A, while the other side of the pump motor is connected through lead I89 and common lead 55 to the supply mains A. Interposed in the lead I 81 of the timing motor 9 are solenoid operated relay switches I98, I9I, I92 and I93 which are double acting, the first two being also arranged in the lead I88 of the pump motor I82 and the latter two being arranged in the lead I89 of the pump motor I83, the arrangement being such that whenever a relay switch is operated the timing motor circuit will be broken while one or other of the pump motor circuits will be made or vice versa. The relay switches I98, I9I, I92 and I93 are adapted to be operated respectively by solenoids I94, I95, I96 and I91 one side of each of which is connected through common lead I98 to one side of the supply mains A. The other side ofthe-solenoid I94 is connected by wire I99 to the wire 58, that of solenoid I95 is connected by wire 288 to wire 56, that of solenoid I96 is connected by wire 28I to wire 59, while the other side of the solenoid I91 is connected by wire 282 to wire 68. Normally, with the solenoids I94 to I91 deenergized, the relay switches are in the position in which the circuit of the timing motor 9 is established through lead I81 whereby the motor 9 drives the rotary switch at a predetermined time rate. When, for example, the finger terminal I2 is brought into contact with the plate I through a slot in the record card 3 a circuit is established through wire 58, the solenoid of magnetic valve'45, common lead 55 to supply mains A, whereby magnetic valve 45 is operated to efiect opening of the soda supply valve 29. Simultaneously, a circuit is established through wire 58, wire I99, relay switch solenoid I94, common lead I98 to the supply mains A, thus energizing the solenoid I94 and causing relay switch I98 to open the circuit of the timing motor 9 by breaking the lead I81 and to close the circuit through lead I88 of the pump motor I82. This pumpmotor is thus started to drive the pump I84 while the timing motor 9 is rendered inoperative. Similarly, if finger terminal I8 contacts the plate I through a slot in the record card 3, solenoids 41 and I95 will be energized to cause the blue supply valve 38 to be opened and the pump motor I82 to be operated while the timing motor is rendered inoperative. If on the other hand, the finger terminal I3 or finger terminal I4 is brought into contact with the plate I through a slot in the record card 3, the solenoids 42 and I96 or solenoids H and I91 will be energized thus causing water supply valve 28 or 2I to be opened while pump motor I83 and pump I88 will be rendered operative and the, timing motor 9 rendered inoperative.

The switch may be driven by the movements of a float in a float chamber associated with the washing drum in the case of the water supply, and from a float in a chamber associated with the supply of the various other liquids.

As shown in Figure 9 the spindle 283 of the rotary switch has freely mounted thereon two pinions 284 and 285 and a worm wheel 286 which are adapted respectively to drive the spindle 283 through freewheel clutches 281, 288 and 289. The worm wheel 286 meshes with a worm 2I8 secured on a shaft of a motor 2II adapted normally to drive the rotary switch at a predetermined time rate. Co-operating with the pinion 284 is a rack 2I2 carried by a spindle 2I3 of a float 2I4 located in a chamber 2I5 associated with the washing drum 2I6. The bottom of the chamber 2I5 is in communication with the washing drum through a pipe 2I1 so that a quantity of the water delivered to the washing drum will flow into the float chamber 2I5 and will rise therein corresponding with the rise of water in the washing drum. The pinion 285 co-operates with a rack 2I8 carried by the spindle 2I9 of a float 228 located in a tank or chamber 22I. The various washing solutions, such as soap, soda and blue, are adapted to be delivered under control of supply valves 222, 223, and 224 to the tank 22I through a common manifold 225 and a pipe 226, the supply valves being controlled by the rotary switch in the manner previously described. Leading from the tank 22I is a delivery pipe 221 through which the solutions, after measurement in the tank, are adapted to be delivered to the washing drum under control of a valve 228 which is controlled by the rotary switch to open and close at the appropriate times. In operation, the motor 2 normally drives the rotary switch through pinion 286 and freewheel clutch 289 at a predetermined time rate until a slot in the record card causes a circuit to be established through one of the finger terminals of the rotary switch and one of the supply valves to be opened, as previously described. Assuming that a water supply valve is opened, the motor 2I I will be rendered inoperative also as previously described, and water will be delivered directly to the washing drum 2 I6 and will rise therein causing a corresponding rise in level in the float chamber 2 I 5. Hence, the float 2| 4 will rise and through the rack 2I2, pinion 284, freewheel clutch 281 and spindle 283, the rotary switch will be driven at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow of the water to the washing drum 2I6 until the predetermined quantity of water has been delivered, whereupon the water supply valve will be closed under control of the rotary switch and the timing motor 2 will again be brought into operation. Assuming now that a quantity of washing solution is to be delivered, the appropriate valve 222, 223 or 224 is opened under control of the rotary switch and the motor 2II rendered inoperative. Solution is delivered through manifold 225 and pipe 226 to the tank 22I, the float 228 rising in response to the liquid d'elivered to the tank HI and driving the rotary switch through rack 2I8, pinion 285, freewheel clutch 208 and spindle 203 at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of the solution until the predetermined quantity of solution has been delivered, whereupon the solution supply valve 222, 223 or 224 is closed, the motor 2 is again started into operation and the valve 228 is opened under control of the rotary switch to eflect delivery of the measured quantity of solution to the washing drum 2 I6.

I claim:

1. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a rotary control device for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, means for, driving the control device at a predetermined time rate to initiate a liquid delivery operation, a second means for driving said control device after initiation of a liquid delivery operation at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of liquid and means for rendering said first driving means inoperative whilst said second driving means is operative.

2. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a rotary control device for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, driving means for driving the said rotary control device at a predetermined time rate to initiate a liquid delivery operation, a second drivingmeans for driving said control .device after initiation of a liquid delivery operation at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of the liquid, and means for rendering said first driving means inoperative upon initiation of a liquid delivery operation.

livery operations, driving means for driving said control device at a predetermined time rate to initiate a liquid delivery operation, a measuring device operable upon initiation of a liquid delivery operation and in accordance with the flow of liquid, driving means between the measuring device and the said control device, and means for rendering said first mentioned driving means inoperative when a liquid delivery operation has been initiated.

4. In an automatic control for a Washing machine or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a rotary control device for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, a motor, driving means between said motor and said control device for driving said control device at a predetermined time rate to initiate the liquid delivery operation, a metering device operable by the flow of liquid therethrough when a liquid delivery operation has been initiated, driving means between said metering device and said control device, and means for rendering the said motor inoperative upon a liquid delivery operation being initiated.

5. In an automatic control for Washing machines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a rotary control device for controlling the initiation and termination of liquid delivery operations, driving means including a clutch for driving said control device at a predetermined time rate to initiate liquid delivery operations, means for rendering said driving means inoperative upon a liquid delivery operation being initiated, a flow meter operated by the flow of liquid therethrough when liquid delivery has been initiated, and. driving means including a clutch between said flow meter and said control device for driving said control device at a rate corresponding with they rate of now of the liquid through the said meter. 6. In an automatic control for washing ma chines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary control device for controlling the opening and closing of said valve, means for driving said control device at a predetermined time rate until said valve has been opened, a measuring device located in said supply pipe and operable by the flow of liquid therethrough, and driving means between said measuring device and said control device whereby the control device is driven by said measuring device at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of the liquid whilst said valve is open.

'7. In an automatic control for washing machines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary control device for controlling the opening of said valve for initiating and terminating the delivery of liquid through said supply pipe, means for driving said control device at a predetermined time rate, a metering device in said supply pipe and operable by the fiow of liquid therethrough when said valve is open, driving means between said metering device and said control device for driving said control device whilst said valve is open at a rate corresponding with the rate of vflow through said metering device, and means for rendering said ,first mentioned driving means inoperative upon said valve being opened.

8. In an automatic control for washing machines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary control device for controlling the opening of said valve for initiating and terminating delivery of liquid, a motor, driving means between said motor and said control device for driving the control device at a predetermined time rate until the valve is opened, means for rendering the motor inoperative upon the valve being opened, a flow meter in said supply pipe on the delivery side of said valve and operable by the flow of liquid therethrough, and driving means between said flow meter and said control device for driving said control device whilst said valve is open at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow through said meter.

9. In an automatic control for washing machines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary control device for controlling the opening of said valve for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, a motor, driving means including a free Wheel clutch between said motor and said control device for driving the latter at a predetermined time rate until the valve is opened, means for rendering the motor inoperative when said valve is opened, a flow meter operable by the flow of liquid through said supply pipe when the valve is open, and driving means including a free wheel clutch between said flow meter and the control device for driving said control device at a rate corresponding with the rate of delivery of the liquid.

10. In an automatic control for washing machines or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary electric switch, a circuit controlled by said switch for controlling the opening of said valve for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, means for driving said rotary electric switch at a predetermined time rate until it effects closure of said circuit to open the said valve, means for rendering said driving means inoperative when the valve is opened, a metering device in said supply pipe and operable by the flow of liquid therethrough, and driving means between said metering device and said control device whereby said metering device drives said control device while the. valve is open at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow of the liquid through the meter.

11. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a liquid supply pipe, a valve in said supply pipe, a rotary electric switch, a circuit controlled by said rotary electric switch for controlling the opening of said valve for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, an electric motor, driving means between said motor and the rotary electric switch for driving said switch at a predetermined time rate until said circuit is closed to open said valve, an electric circuit for said motor, means controlled by said valve opening circuit for opening said motor circuit, a fiow meter in said supply pipe operable by the flow of liquid therethrough when said valve is open, and driving means between said flow meter and said rotary electric switch for driving the latter at a rate corresponding with the rate of flow of liquid through said flow meter.

12. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling delivery of predetermined quantities of liquid, a plurality of liquid supply pipes, a valve in each of said supply pipes, a rotary electric control device, for controlling the opening and closing of said valves for initiating and terminating liquid delivery operations, an electric motor, a circuit for said motor including a switch, driving means including a clutch between said motor and said control device for driving the latter at a predetermined time rate until a valve is opened by said control device, means for opening said motor switch to render the motor inoperative upon any one of said valves being opened by said control device, a metering device through which passes liquid delivered through said supply pipes, and driving means including a clutch between said metering device and said control device whereby said metering device drives said control device at a rate corresponding with the rate of fiow through said metering device.

13. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling liquid delivery operations, the combination of a rotary control device comprising a contact disc, a spindle on which said disc is secured and a gear wheel secured to said spindle, of means for driving said control device comprising a motor, driving means including a free-wheel clutch between said motor and said gear wheel, a flow meter, and driving means including a tree-wheel clutch between said flow meter and said gear wheel for driving said control device when said motor is inoperative.

14. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling liquid delivery operations, the combination of a rotary control device comprising a contact plate, a horizontally disposed spindle on which said disc is secured, and a worm wheel secured on said spindle, with driving means for said control device comprising a vertical shaft, a worm on said vertical shaft in -mesh with said worm wheel, a gear wheel secured to said vertical shaft, a motor, driving means including a freewheel clutchbetween saidmotor and said gear wheel, a liquid metering device, driving means including a free wheel clutch between said metering device and said gear wheel, and means for rendering said motor inoperative whilst said metering device is operative.

15. In an automatic control for a washing machine or the like for controlling liquid delivery operations, a plurality of liquid supply pipes, a plurality of valves one in each of said pipes, a rotary electric control device, a plurality of electrical circuits one for each valve controlled by said control device, an electric motor, driving means between said motor and said control device, an electric circuit for said motor including a relay operated switch, means for energizing said relay to open said switch and render the motor inoperative whenever any one of said valve operating circuits is established, a liquid flow meter operable by liquid flowing therethrough from any of said liquid supply pipes, and driving means between said flow meter and said control device to drive said control device by the flow meter at a liquid delivery rate whilst said motor is inoperative.

16. In an automatic control for a washing machine for controlling liquid delivery operations the combination of a rotary control device, a pipe for water supply, a flow meter in said water supply pipe, a pipe for supply of washing solutions, F

for rendering the motor inoperative whilst either of said flow meters is in operation. DAVID YEO BARTHOLOMEW TANQUERAY. 

